PERCH Research Lab

Lab Members

Principal Investigator

Headshot of Kristen Rudd.

Kristen L. Rudd, Ph.D.

View Dr. Rudd’s CV here.

Dr. Rudd joined the faculty at UCCS in 2022. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a minor concentration in Quantitative Methods from the University of California, Riverside. Before joining UCCS, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, in the Center for Health and Community, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Weill Institute for Neuroscience.

Graduate Students

Headshot of Adrienne Herzog.

Adrienne Herzog

Adrienne is a second-year Master’s student in the clinical psychology program at UCCS. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Oregon in 2019. In between her undergraduate and graduate careers, she worked with youth and families in various residential psychiatric care settings. She also volunteered as a research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University, working on a study focused on mindfulness intervention and maternal mental health. Working in Dr. Rudd’s lab, Adrienne aims to explore trauma and its impacts on health and relationships, with a particular focus on women and families. Adrienne plans on continuing on to a Ph.D. program after earning her M.A. She eventually hopes to practice as a clinician focused on trauma and related disorders while continuing to contribute to research. In her spare time, Adrienne loves spending time with her dog, snowboarding, swimming, and cooking. 

Headshot of Tess Leftwich.

Tess Leftwich

Tess is a third-year master’s student in the Clinical Psychology program at UCCS. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience from James Madison University in 2020. Tess’s current research interest is the intergenerational impact of trauma and adversity on physiological regulation, which she aims to study during her time in Dr. Rudd’s lab. After getting her M.A. degree from UCCS, she plans to attend a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program to continue researching and honing her clinical skills.

Headshot of Elli Spanier.

Elli Spanier

Elli is a third-year Master’s student in UCCS’s Clinical Psychology program. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky and gained various clinical experiences. She completed a capstone project for the Children’s Review Program in Lexington, Kentucky, and her findings on children’s placement instability were presented to the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services. Elli has a variety of research interests in both clinical and developmental areas. Her current research focuses on parenting and child mental health. After completing her M.A., she plans to pursue a Ph.D.

Headshot of Samantha Umland.

Samantha Umland

Samantha is a second-year master’s student in the psychological science M.A. program at UCCS. She graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology in 2022. Samantha has worked on varying projects studying the role of white matter, physical, and cognitive health on human aging. While in Dr. Rudd’s lab, Samantha aims to study the physiological impacts of childhood trauma during adolescence. Outside of academics, Samantha enjoys reading, staying active, and traveling.

Caleb Days

Caleb is a master’s student in the clinical psychology program at UCCS. He graduated with a B.A. in psychology from UCCS. His research interests focus on trauma and resilience in different populations to include families and military affiliates. Due to his 12 years of service in the U.S. Army, he is inspired to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology working with active duty, veterans, and those exposed to trauma.

Elise Robb

Elise is a first-year master’s student in the Psychological Science program at UCCS. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Mind, Brain, and Behavior at Colorado State University in 2023. Before joining Dr. Rudd’s lab, Elise worked as a research assistant in the concussion clinic at the United States Air Force Academy. She also worked as a researcher in the Neurocognitive Measurement Lab at Colorado State University using fMRI to study brain indicators of mindfulness and healthy aging. While in Dr. Rudd’s lab, Elise aims to research how stress and trauma relate to physiological changes in women’s health. Elise plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biopsychology following the completion of her M.A.

Research Assistants

Lauren Suiter

I am a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in counseling/human services. I am interested in researching human development, specifically adolescents, and human sexuality. As a research assistant, I am looking forward to learning more about human development in the PERCH lab as well as how research is conducted in a collegiate setting. I am also working with Dr. Thomas Francis regarding research on career choice in adolescents for the Undergraduate Research Academy. I hope to gain more understanding of psychology and apply this knowledge to my future aspirations as a school psychologist. After earning my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending a graduate program in either school psychology or school counseling. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, hike, and read.

Caity McCartney

I am a sophomore majoring in psychology with a track in pre-occupational therapy. I am interested in adolescent psychology and how physical changes in the body affect a person mentally. I look forward to seeing how research is conducted, especially with children. This lab will teach me many skills that I will be able to apply in the rest of my psychology career. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I will go to graduate school for occupational therapy. In my future career, I hope to learn and help people throughout life’s challenges. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outside.  

Todd Collinsworth

I’m currently a freshman majoring in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Human Services, and working towards completing my Bachelor’s a year early. I am interested in Social and Developmental Psychology, how individuals interact with others from conception to end of life. I am excited to learn how research is conducted with children and families! After I earn my B.A. I plan on continuing to get my master’s in psychology and eventually my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing poetry, photography, and reading anything on psychology! 

Karen Ahumada Villanueva

Graduating from Pikes Peak Community College, Karen embarked on her undergraduate journey at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. As a Mexican immigrant under DACA and a first-generation student, she navigates the academic landscape with curiosity and unwavering determination. Her active participation in research, including involvement in the Infidelity and Forgiveness study and the PERCH Lab, while concurrently delving into the intricacies of cognition and perception research, allows her to contribute meaningfully. She aspires to attend a Clinical Psychology graduate program to study the influence of Adverse Childhood Trauma on interpersonal relationships. Beyond academia, she revels in outdoor activities such as backpacking and mountain biking, often accompanied by her spirited 10-year-old daughter and husband. Volunteering at local community organizations has honed her leadership skills and reinforced her dedication to serving others. Karen embraces life with purpose, she seamlessly blends moments of whimsy with a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Haelli Cannon

I am currently a junior at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My passion for understanding human development drives my academic journey, and I plan to continue my studies by pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling after graduation. 

As a mother of two, I have firsthand experience working with children and supporting their growth. Watching my own children develop their personalities and encouraging their accomplishments has deepened my desire to help all children achieve their highest potential. My goal is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people through counseling and support. 

Madison Edmonds

Madison is a fourth-year undergrad student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Colorado Colorado springs. After graduation, she is interested in completing her master’s program in child development with an emphasis on trauma. The past several years, Madison has spent a lot of her time working with children and plans to have a career that allows her to do so. As a research assistant she is excited to learn more about the ins and outs of collecting and processing data that she can later apply in her future career. 

Lucas Urchell

Lucas graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UCCS in May of 2024. He currently works full-time as a registered behavioral technician (RBT) at Woven Care, and he is planning on continuing his studies with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Lucas previously assisted Dr. Kisley and Dr. Al-Shawaf of UCCS with research in their labs. Lucas’ research interests are the effects of adoption on child development, trauma, and biopsychology.